SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.

New coach Javier Aguirre has already breathed new life into Mexico’s stricken team even before they have kicked a ball in anger under his leadership.

Aguirre begins his second stint on Saturday when Mexico, currently out of the direct qualifying places for the World Cup finals, visit El Salvador’s Cuscatlan stadium, where visiting teams can be assured of a hostile reception.

Disclaimer: If you have been following these columns for a number of years, you might be bored by what you'll find below. I cannot be held responsible for this inconvenience, because it's time for the traditional end-of-season column which never offers anything new.

"Allan, Allan McGregor, he couldn't handle his Stella!"To the tune of Abracadabra by the Steve Miller Band. Sung by Scotland supporters in the pub after the Iceland game, when MacGregor was banned for drinking.

"You don't know what you're doing!"Leeds fans at Derby to a supporter who proposed to his girlfriend on the pitch.

"We are the Potters, the rip-roaring potters, back in the Prem where Pulis got us, so come on everybody let's keep Stoke up, keep Stoke up, keep Stoke up!"'Pottermouth's' Stoke rap to the tune of Eminem's Real Slim Shady.The Rest

Denilson, once the world's most expensive soccer player, will rocket Cement FC to the top of the Vietnam league, his jubilant coach said, but the World Cup winner has made it clear he is only here for the love of the game - and the money.

With most Americans Abroad finished for the summer, Carlos Bocanegra and Stade Rennais FC had their European dreams dashed to the ground violently as title hopefuls Marseille smashed them 4-0 on the final day of the season.The Rest

This season's final La Liga weekend had two main areas of interest: first, the remaining European football spots, and second, the relegation battle. The first issue was solved quickly on Saturday evening with no surprises.

Monday, June 01, 2009

Schwarzer - how Boro must be regretting letting him go.Johnson - a fine season has led to a regular England spot and may yet lead to Liverpool.Turner - the only Hull player to excel all season.Jagielka - Just like teammate Lescott, proof that a player from the Championship can do well in the EPL.Hangeland - A real revelation, esp. considering other clubs turned him down after trials. That said, a move to a different team, one not based on Hodgson's defensive drills, will show his real worth.Fletcher - from bit-part player to big game starter.Benayoun - Gerrard maybe irreplaceable, but the goat-like Israeli has done a pretty good job.Palacios - Wigan were excellent before Xmas, poor after. Spurs the opposite. Palacios switched from Wigan to Spurs at Xmas.Ireland - Robinho's season was better than some have portrayed, but Ireland upstaged him repeatedly.Cole - Zola's influence has not only brought goals but also, amazingly, an England call-up.Davies - his best season for Bolton by far.

Gordon - still a decent keeper, but the high price tag seemed to get to him. Or maybe it was working under Keane.Coloccini - shite, and in typical NUFC style, they paid top dollar for it.Steven Taylor - if this is the future of England back line, they're fucked. The mobility of an articulated lorry.Richards - if this is the future of England back line, they're fucked [perhaps]. He does have some real quality, and the fact he's a certified twat does cloud one's judgment. But Stevie Wonder on acid has better positional sense.Downing - why the hell are so many clubs interested in him? He didn't score all season for fuck's sake.Deco - A bit like eating a vindaloo curry: everything started really well, but all of a sudden things went downhill.Bentley - DB, the new Bex. Maybe not.Duff - moving from Chelsea to Newcastle sounded wrong at the time, but who knew it would be so wrong?Owen - moving from Real to Newcastle sounded wrong at the time, but who knew it would be so wrong?Adebayor - Wenger could well regret not cashing him in last summer.Alves - not wanting to be outdone by their Geordie neighbours, Boro also managed to spend a fortune on a pile of poo.

No Keeper [they don't deserve one]RichardsGuthrieRonaldoBartonBednarBellamyAdebayorDrogbaSanta CruzKingBench: Cruz, Cattermole, Zaki, SturridgeManager: Phil 'fuck me, I look like a twat with this thing in my ear' BrownChairman: Mike AshleyFans: AC Milan fans who jeered Maldini. OK, they're not in the EPL, but could they be bigger wankers?

It was Brazil who invented this concept - dropping an extra player into the heart of the defence to create the back four. Their first World Cup-winning side in 1958 featured the classic contrasting pair of centre backs.

Best:3. Abdoulaye Faye (Stoke) - Tony Pulis made a number of canny signings this term, but the capture of Faye from Newcastle was arguably his most important. The 31-year-old brought strength and leadership to Stoke's defence and delivered a seemingly countless number of outstanding performances. How Newcastle could have done with him rather than Fabio Coloccini this year...Worst:5. Ricardo Quaresma (Chelsea) - The Portuguese's spell in London is conspicuous by his complete lack of impact, and just edges out compatriot Deco. He may only have arrived on loan from Inter Milan, but he still seems a waste of money and you can only hope Chelsea put him to good use around the training ground or something. Maybe as an odd job man or a ballboy, anything to justify his presence at Stamford Bridge, because he certainly did nothing on the pitch.

After watching his teammates stumble to start the season without him, New England forward Taylor Twellman returned to the lineup and sparked the Revolution's return to form in Saturday night's 2-1 win over D.C. United.